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Empowering Communities Through Automotive Care
With our pay it forward business model and our sponsor a repair inititive, we have between $5000-$10,000 available most months. We get on average about 5 applications each month.
A Tribute to Kimberly Alison Ferland
The JumpStart Fund began as a heartfelt initiative borne from the compassionate vision of Kimberly Alison Ferland and her husband, Chris Ferland.
In memory of Kimberly, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in June 2022, the program was conceived as a means of providing tangible assistance to individuals facing financial hurdles in affording essential vehicle repairs.
History
Before the inception of Good News Auto Repair, Kimberly and Chris had been developing the JumpStart concept for about a year. Kimberly, driven by her desire to make a positive difference in the community, dedicated significant time and effort to shape the program's framework. Together, they envisioned JumpStart as more than just a charitable endeavor but as a social business model designed to offer a hand up rather than a handout.
JumpStart 2.0
In the wake of Kimberly's passing, Chris Ferland took up the mantle of advancing their shared vision, now known as JumpStart 2.0. Collaborating closely with Jesse (service manager) and Kelsey (service advisor), each application is meticulously reviewed and analyzed. With the guidance of the dedicated team overseeing the program's operations, they remain steadfast in upholding Kimberly's legacy. Together, they ensure that JumpStart continues to shine as a beacon of hope for those in need.
The JumpStart Fund operates on the principle of providing assistance to employed individuals who may be facing substantial vehicle repair costs. By offering financial support, JumpStart aims to alleviate the burden of having to choose between essential repairs and other critical expenses like rent. Through a meticulous application process and collaboration with local partners, JumpStart strives to keep individuals safe, mobile, and empowered to maintain their livelihoods.
Over time, the program has evolved to incorporate various elements, including annual Car Care Vehicle Education workshops and stringent criteria to ensure assistance reaches those who truly need it. The name "JumpStart" symbolizes the program's mission to offer a fresh start to individuals experiencing automotive crises, supported by a community-driven funding model fueled by Good News Auto's profits, customer donations, and sponsorships from community organizations.
In essence, the JumpStart Fund stands as a testament to Kimberly's enduring spirit of generosity and compassion, continuing to uplift and empower individuals within the community, one repair at a time.
Sponsor a Repair
By sponsoring a repair, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of individuals and families in need. Your generous contribution will help cover the cost of essential vehicle repairs for those who are facing financial difficulties. This support not only ensures their mobility but also enables them to maintain employment and fulfill daily responsibilities.
As a token of our gratitude, your name or organization will be proudly featured on our Sponsor Wall, showcasing your commitment to making a difference in our community. Join us in driving positive change and helping others get back on the road to success.
the name
The name "JumpStart" holds profound symbolism for us at Good News Auto. It reflects the countless times individuals have found themselves stranded on the side of the road, in need of a boost or a "JumpStart" to get them back up and running. Our JumpStart Fund embodies this spirit of assistance, offering a lifeline to people in our community facing automotive challenges.
Funded by a portion of our profits, along with generous contributions from our customers and sponsorships from community organizations, the JumpStart Fund represents our commitment to making a positive impact. It's our way of extending a JumpStart to individuals in need, ensuring they can overcome obstacles and continue their journey safely and confidently.
Eligibility
If you're dealing with vehicle safety repair costs and cannot afford repairs, Good News Auto's JumpStart 2.0 Fund might be the solution for you.
This program is designed to assist people like you, so you don’t have to choose between necessary repairs and other important bills, like rent. To apply for JumpStart, follow a few simple steps. First, click the link below to start part 1 of the application. After you complete part 1, send it to Jesse and I (Chris). We will review the information to understand your vehicle's needs and your situation, which usually takes 1 to 3 days. Once we have looked over your application, we will reach out to discuss step 2, which involves your financial details.
It's very important to mention JumpStart before you have any vehicle repairs done. If you don’t, you might not be eligible for assistance. Please make sure to follow the application process in order, or we won’t be able to help you.
Restrictions
While our JumpStart Fund aims to provide assistance to individuals facing significant vehicle repair expenses, there are certain restrictions and limitations in place. Examples of vehicles that may not qualify for assistance include:
- Vehicles with over 250,000 kilometers on the odometer.
- European vehicles or vehicles manufactured before 1998.
- Vehicles where the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle's assessed value.
Additionally, it's important to note that our JumpStart Fund is specifically designed to help employed individuals who are facing financial challenges with vehicle repairs. The applicant is required to be employed and cannot have already received assistance from Jumpstart in the past. Unfortunately, this assistance is not available to those already receiving government assistance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, we do offer a $250 grant based on an individual basis. Please understand, there is no automatic approval process, or can we help everyone who applies. I wish we could, but we simply cannot.
Applying for JumpStart
Ready to apply for assistance through our JumpStart Program? Here's how:
Read this page:
Read this page to learn about the process. We want to assist you, but first, we need some basic information.
Complete step 1 of the application:
Click the button below for step 1, and you'll go to a new page with a form to complete. Fill it out as fully as you can. The more details you provide, the faster we can move you on to step 2.
contact us if needed :
If you haven't received a response from us within three days, you can reach out to jesse@goodnewsauto.ca to check on the status.
Vehicle Inspection:
Each JumpStart vehicle repair requires a full inspection of the vehicle. This is essential to protect the investment made by Good News Auto and our sponsor a repair supporters. After completing step 2, we will need to arrange for this inspection, which will be at your expense since we can only use our funds for emergency repairs.
Important Note:
Always inform us about JumpStart before any vehicle repairs or repair appointments. If you don't, it will affect your ability to receive assistance. For example, if a customer schedules a repair appointment, arrives, and we complete the repairs, but then later expresses interest in applying for JumpStart, we cannot approve that request. We appreciate your understanding regarding this issue.
Empowering Vehicle Owners
A Community's Compassion
Our Car Care Program initiative traces its roots back to the inception of the Sherwood Park Alliance Church's Car Care Ministry several years ago. Originally established to aid individuals in financial distress with their vehicle repairs, this ministry operated as a biannual community effort, relying on donated labor, parts, and shop space for approximately a decade.
Vision for Expansion
In 2012, recognizing an opportunity to expand their impact, organizers envisioned a larger vision: to establish a community mechanic shop where more individuals could access repairs, gain valuable knowledge about their vehicles, and receive support when needed most.
Realizing the Dream
This dream became a reality with the opening of Good News Auto in September 2012. As a fully licensed retail mechanic shop, Good News Auto was founded with a clear mission: to ensure that customers have access to safe and affordable transportation. This commitment is realized through our JumpStart Fund, providing financial assistance for repairs, and our Car Care vehicle education program.
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FAQs
To apply for assistance, simply contact Jesse, our dedicated point of contact for JumpStart assistance, at jesse@goodnewsauto.ca. He will guide you through the application process and provide further instructions.
The JumpStart Fund provides assistance for large vehicle repairs that employed individuals may be facing. These repairs could include issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and more. Reach out to us for specific inquiries regarding your repair needs.
Yes, there may be a waiting period of up to two weeks for JumpStart assistance. This is because we collaborate with a local church for funding, and the application process requires careful consideration.
Yes, our Car Care educational workshops are open to anyone interested in learning more about their vehicle. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just want to enhance your knowledge, our workshops are designed to empower all vehicle owners.
Save Big This Month
huge
giveaway
giveaway
We are known for being generous with our profits and this fall is the biggest yet.
Vehicle Inspections Starting at $44
Ensure your vehicle's safety and performance with our comprehensive inspections, starting at just $44.
November tire sale
All tire brands are $20 after cost + available rebates.
Suspension repair special
Inspection is FREE if repairs completed with us is over $750
Brake Repair Special
$79 PREMIUM BRAKE PAD SPECIAL
Ready to Experience Top-notch Auto Care With a Purpose?
Ready to experience exceptional auto care with a purpose? Take the first step towards hassle-free repairs and community support by scheduling your appointment at Good News Auto now.
